Gossip: Transfer and Rumour - June 26, 2014
The Uruguayan Football Association claims striker
Luis Suarez, 27, is the victim of a smear campaign by the Italians, the
English media and the Brazilian hosts after he appeared to bite Giorgio
Chiellini.
Guardian
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, 45, who bit Borussia Dortmund's Heiko Herrlich during a Bundesliga match, thinks "enormous pressure" drove Suarez to allegedly bite Chiellini. Sun (subscription only)
Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, 27, believes there is something "not quite right" about Suarez.
Guardian
A number of Football Association board members want manager Roy Hodgson, 66, to explain England's World Cup exit. Daily Mail
Midfielder Jack Wilshere, 22, has warned England's new generation of players that time is already running out on their international careers. Telegraph
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has denied any interest in signing AC Milan and Italy striker Mario Balotelli, 23.
Daily Mail
Arsenal have rejected Manchester United's opening bid for 28-year-old captain Thomas Vermaelen. Daily Star
Tottenham are keen to sign defender Dejan Lovren, 24, from Southampton. The Croatia international also interests Liverpool. Daily Mirror
Arsenal and Tottenham target Javier Hernandez, 26, has dropped another hint that he is set to quit Manchester United once the World Cup is over. Daily Express
Arsenal and Liverpool want Sevilla defender Federico Fazio, 27, who could cost up to £8m. Daily Star
Hull City have opened talks with Tottenham over a £4m deal for 30-year-old captain Michael Dawson. Evening Standard
West Brom are ready to make a £6m bid to sign AS Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, 24. Express and Star
Argentine winger Eric Lamela, 22, will stay at Tottenham despite a first season at White Hart Lane affected by injuries and indifferent form. Sun (subscription only)
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will never sell Uruguayan defender Diego Godin, 28. AS (in Spanish)
Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father has confirmed his 25-year-old son will turn down a £20m move to Roma and stay at Borussia Dortmund. Bild (in German)
Serie A side Atlanta have signed Belgian striker Nicolas Napol, 18, from Lorient. Tuttosport (in Italian)
England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney on Twitter: "Gutted to be home but I can't wait to see my wife and children."
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge tweeted: "Back home. Was an honour to play and score in my 1st World Cup. Thanks to all the fans for your support."
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley wrote: "Just want to thank the England fans for the support they gave us throughout our time in Brazil. They are the best in the world and we will do everything to deliver for them in the future."
A Brazilian TV network broadcast footage of Ghana's $3m appearance money being transported in a huge convoy of police cars to the team hotel. TV Globo (in Portuguese)
West Brom have offered season ticket refunds to fans angered by the appointment of Alan Irvine as head coach. Express and Star
Former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, 45, who bit Borussia Dortmund's Heiko Herrlich during a Bundesliga match, thinks "enormous pressure" drove Suarez to allegedly bite Chiellini. Sun (subscription only)
Luis Suarez did not train with the Uruguay squad on Wednesday
A number of Football Association board members want manager Roy Hodgson, 66, to explain England's World Cup exit. Daily Mail
Midfielder Jack Wilshere, 22, has warned England's new generation of players that time is already running out on their international careers. Telegraph
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Barcelona are still interested in Liverpool striker Suarez and are ready to offer an £80m player-plus-cash deal that could include wingers Alexis Sanchez, 25, and Pedro, 26. Daily Mirror
Luis Suarez is linked with a move to Barcelona
Arsenal have rejected Manchester United's opening bid for 28-year-old captain Thomas Vermaelen. Daily Star
Tottenham are keen to sign defender Dejan Lovren, 24, from Southampton. The Croatia international also interests Liverpool. Daily Mirror
Arsenal and Tottenham target Javier Hernandez, 26, has dropped another hint that he is set to quit Manchester United once the World Cup is over. Daily Express
Arsenal and Liverpool want Sevilla defender Federico Fazio, 27, who could cost up to £8m. Daily Star
Hull City have opened talks with Tottenham over a £4m deal for 30-year-old captain Michael Dawson. Evening Standard
West Brom are ready to make a £6m bid to sign AS Monaco striker Emmanuel Riviere, 24. Express and Star
Argentine winger Eric Lamela, 22, will stay at Tottenham despite a first season at White Hart Lane affected by injuries and indifferent form. Sun (subscription only)
Michael Owen was 18 when he scored for England against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup
OTHER GOSSIP
Former England striker Michael Owen says young players are left to play in "soft" under-21 football and the best should be promoted to the first team by the age of 20. Daily ExpressGLOBAL GOSSIP (sourced by BBC Monitoring)
Manchester City say Atletico Madrid's £12m bid for striker Alvaro Negredo, 28 is inadequate and they will not listen to any offer below £24m. Marca (in Spanish)Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will never sell Uruguayan defender Diego Godin, 28. AS (in Spanish)
Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's father has confirmed his 25-year-old son will turn down a £20m move to Roma and stay at Borussia Dortmund. Bild (in German)
Serie A side Atlanta have signed Belgian striker Nicolas Napol, 18, from Lorient. Tuttosport (in Italian)
England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney on Twitter: "Gutted to be home but I can't wait to see my wife and children."
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge tweeted: "Back home. Was an honour to play and score in my 1st World Cup. Thanks to all the fans for your support."
Everton midfielder Ross Barkley wrote: "Just want to thank the England fans for the support they gave us throughout our time in Brazil. They are the best in the world and we will do everything to deliver for them in the future."
A Brazilian TV network broadcast footage of Ghana's $3m appearance money being transported in a huge convoy of police cars to the team hotel. TV Globo (in Portuguese)
West Brom have offered season ticket refunds to fans angered by the appointment of Alan Irvine as head coach. Express and Star
